The Palms All-Nude Showclub in northeast Albuquerque is now facing two criminal investigations.

The Palms has only been open about six months, but it has already seen more than its share of trouble. Authorities said the club is facing a rape allegation against an employee and an investigation of illegally possessing and providing alcohol.

Advertisement

The Albuquerque Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit is investigating an alleged rape that happened at the club at the end of January.

Detectives said a 19-year-old woman claims she was drinking with a man and a woman, and they went to the Palms. Once inside, the woman told police she was given more alcohol and a powdery substance.

"The detective obtained enough information to obtain a search warrant for the Palms," said Sgt. Chris Mason, of the APD Violent Crimes Unit.

During the search, investigators said they found a gallon-size bag filled with about 50 miniature alcohol bottles. The club's license does not allow alcohol on the premises, officers said.

"They were found within personal properties of one of the employees there, as well as in the smoking area," Mason said.

Officers said they also suspect that dancers at the club were giving alcohol to customers. As the rape investigation proceeds, officials are looking for two people.

"She had named a dancer as a person of interest who we needed to talk to, as well as one of the bouncers or security guards there being a person of interest, who we needed to interview," Mason said.

Police said the alleged victim claims a bouncer raped her and a dancer for coerced her to dance nude.

Meanwhile, workers at surrounding businesses that had objected to the Palms opening said they're not surprised about the recent trouble at the club.

"We were concerned from the beginning about that happening," said Jessica Rinaldi, of Defined Fitness.

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety and APD officers said that if the investigation reveals alcohol was being distributed to customers, club operators could be charged with a felony.

Investigators said they're also looking for the man and the woman who brought the alleged victim to the club.

Police said the couple has since moved to Florida, and investigators are working with detectives there to find them.